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In the future, our research might help people in Africa |
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Martin Stupak |
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In which research group are you doing your PhD and how long have you been working there?
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In May 2007 it will be three years since I started working in the group of Professor Wilhelm Gruissem in the Institute of Plant Science at the ETH Zurich. The end of my thesis is now not far off. I hope to be finished by October, although I still have to publish my results before I can round up my thesis. So far I have written a review article, which was good to familiarize myself with the topic.
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What are you investigating?
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I am working with a somewhat exotic plant called cassava, also known as manioc, which is a major staple food in certain African countries. Due to malnourishment, people in these countries often do not receive enough proteins. To ensure a sufficient uptake, I am now trying to grow a cassava plant with a high protein level. Using gene technology, I hope to establish a suitable strategy that one day can be brought to Africa in order to be tested by colleagues in the field.
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Why did you choose this field?
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As a food chemist I decided to specialize in the area of genetically modified foods. Since I very much wanted to work in the field of plant gene technology, my current research project corresponds perfectly to my wishes.
It is very important for me that my research has a direct application, basic research interests me much less. Even though my work is probably only a preparative step for future research projects, it motivates me enormously to work on a project that might be meaningful for later generations.
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Why did you come to Zurich? Was it, because you were interested in the research group or because you liked the city?
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The reputation and the focus of the research group determined my decision. At the time of my diploma thesis, I was still convinced that I would do my PhD work with Professor Ingo Potrykus. He had an outstanding reputation and was known for his application-oriented research, in particular with rice. I was convinced I would receive an excellent education from him. Of course, Professor Gruissem, the successor of Ingo Potrykus, pursued some of his projects. I am now working on one of them.
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What do the Plant Science Center or the Graduate School offer you?
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I think it is excellent that both institutions offer several courses. As I find it is important to stay open minded and to acquire a broad knowledge in several different areas, I have attended many transferable skills courses. The course that impressed me most, was the 2-week intensive-course ‘Basic Management Skills (BMS)’ offered by the ETH. In addition, I have also attended courses on ’non-violent communication’ and ’scientific communication’.
I repeatedly participated in the summer school in Kiental offered by the department of Biology. One spends three days with peers and can exchange experiences with PhD students from different fields. It is a continuous challenge to explain my research to somebody working with mice and vice versa to understand his or her research project.
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How many hours a day do you spend in the lab?
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On average I spend about ten hours a day in the lab. This is, however, absolutely not a problem because I enjoy my work a lot. Not the work itself leads to pressure but rather the need to publish.
For me recreational activities form a good balance to my work in the lab. I sing in a gospel choir and enjoy climbing in the mountains. And Zurich even provides diving possibilities!
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Would you advise young people to do their PhD thesis in Zurich?
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Yes, absolutely. Zurich as a scientific community offers high-quality research in many very good groups. If you are active and approach other people it is easy to make contact. The individual PhD programs could, however, be even more supportive in this point.
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Have you already made plans for after your PhD?
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I don’t have very specific ideas yet. I could even imagine working in science communication later on.
Martin Stupak is a PhD student at the Institute of Plant Science of the ETH Zurich and he is a member of the PhD program of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center.
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Interview Dr. Isabel Klusman |
